The music world is in shock after the sudden death of popular Indian singer Zubeen Garg. The singer, best known for his hit song “Ya Ali” from the 2006 film Gangster, passed away on September 19, 2025, following a scuba diving accident in Singapore. He was 52 years old. Garg was in Singapore to perform at the North East India Festival when the accident occurred.
What Happened During the Scuba Diving Accident
Zubeen Garg was scuba diving in Singapore when he experienced breathing difficulties underwater. He was quickly pulled out of the sea and given CPR before being rushed to Singapore General Hospital. Despite efforts by doctors, he was declared dead in the ICU around 2:30 PM IST .
Garg was in Singapore to perform as the Cultural Brand Ambassador at the 4th North East India Festival, scheduled for September 20 and 21. Just hours before the accident, he had posted a video on social media inviting fans to the event. In the video, he said:
“Hi my friends. I have come to Singapore… I am Zubeen Garg, a Bollywood singer from Assam, North East. We are organizing the North East festival there. I will be coming to join you and invite you all to join us in this traditional event. See you there, I’ll be performing, I’ll be talking to you and I’ll be there with you” .
Who Was Zubeen Garg?
Zubeen Garg was one of the most well-known singers from India’s Northeast region. Born Zubeen Borthakur on November 18, 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya, he adopted the stage name Garg from his gotra (family lineage). He began singing at the age of three and started his professional music career in 1992 with his debut Assamese album Anamika .
While he gained national fame with “Ya Ali,” Garg had recorded thousands of songs in over 40 languages, including Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, and Tamil. He was not only a playback singer but also a composer, actor, and philanthropist. For many in Assam and the Northeast, he was considered a cultural icon and a voice of the people .
Beyond music, Garg was involved in social causes. He ran a charity called the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation and actively supported relief efforts during floods in Assam. In 2021, during the COVID-19 surge, he offered his house in Guwahati to be used as a COVID Care Center .
Reactions to the Tragic News
The news of Garg’s death led to an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and political leaders. Ashok Singhal, a cabinet minister of Assam, wrote on social media:
“Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of our beloved Zubeen Garg. Assam has lost not just a voice, but a heartbeat. Zubeen da was more than a singer; he was the pride of Assam and the nation” .
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called Garg “one of Assam’s favourite sons” and noted that his music had the power to energize people and speak directly to their souls .
Bollywood music composer Pritam, who worked with Garg on “Ya Ali,” expressed shock at the news. Actor Adil Hussain shared his sadness, remembering Garg as a significant contributor to Assamese music and culture .
A Family Marked by Tragedy
This is not the first tragedy to hit Zubeen Garg’s family. In 2002, his younger sister Jongki Borthakur, who was also a singer and actress, died in a car accident at the age of 18. She was traveling to one of her brother’s cultural events when the collision occurred. Garg had initially been in the same car but switched vehicles minutes before the accident .
Garg is survived by his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, a fashion designer and film producer, and their son, Gautam Garg. The couple married on February 4, 2002 .
Zubeen Garg’s Legacy and Final Days
Zubeen Garg was often called the “Voice of Assam.” His music touched millions, and he was considered the highest-paid singer in Assam for many years. Beyond his popular Hindi songs, he was a major force in regional music, particularly in the Assamese and Bengali film industries .
His last social media post, now widely shared by grieving fans, showed his excitement for the North East India Festival in Singapore. He was passionate about promoting the culture and talents of India’s Northeast on a global platform .
Garg’s death is a significant loss to the Indian music industry and to the cultural identity of Assam. His songs, which spanned genres and languages, will continue to be a cherished part of his legacy.
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